Sink drain deodorizing device and method

ABSTRACT

A sink drain deodorizing device ( 1 ) having a cover ( 2 ) and a housing ( 5 ) securable to said cover ( 2 ) wherein a user may place a deodorizing disk ( 6 ) within the housing ( 5 ) to eliminate odors from a sink pipe and/or garbage disposal. The cover ( 2 ), which has a plurality of apertures ( 8 ) extending therethrough, has a top surface ( 9 ) and a bottom surface ( 10 ) wherein a handle ( 3 ) extends from the cover top surface ( 9 ) and a centering post ( 21 ) extends from the cover bottom surface ( 10 ). The housing ( 5 ), which also has a plurality of apertures ( 7 ), has a securing aperture ( 15 ) to permit a user to secure the housing ( 5 ) to the cover ( 2 ) via the centering post ( 21 ). Because the centering post ( 21 ) also extends through a deodorizing disk aperture ( 16 ), the deodorizing disk ( 6 ) is maintained in a predetermined position within the housing ( 5 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to sink drain deodorizing devices, more particularly, a sink drain deodorizing device that permits a user to deodorize a sink while permitting water to flow into a sink pipe and/or garbage disposal.

Currently, most sink drain devices are constructed so as to permit water to flow therethrough while preventing food particles and other debris from entering the sink pipe and/or garbage disposal. In addition, these devices also prevent the flow of water therethrough, essentially acting as a stopper, by rotating the handle to block the flow of water. Although the use of current sink drain devices effectively prevents food particles and other debris of a predetermined size from entering a sink pipe and/or garbage disposal, these devices do not address a major problem with kitchen sinks: odor.

Although food particles and other debris enter the sink pipe and/or garbage disposal to be flushed out by running water, oftentimes the particles and/or debris stick to the interior of the pipe and deteriorate, thereby causing a foul-smelling odor to emanate from the sink pipe. Additionally, if the kitchen sink has a garbage disposal installed therein, the foul-smelling odor increases substantially as larger particles of food and other debris are inserted into the disposal for grinding, only to leave portions of food and other debris in the disposal holding chamber.

Thus, a need exists for a sink drain deodorizing device that deodorizes a sink while allowing water to flow therethrough when desired.

The relevant prior art includes the following references:

U.S. Pat. No. (U.S. unless stated otherwise) Inventor Issue/Publication Date 6,866,440 Bart Mar. 15, 2005 2007/0000037 Wolf Jan. 04, 2007 2005/0135979 Gootter Jun. 23, 2005 4,318,193 Bayer et al. Mar. 09, 1982 5,312,624 Richter et al. May 17, 1994 3,112,499 Thornton Dec. 03, 1963 2,020,864 Aronson et al. Nov. 12, 1935

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a sink drain deodorizing device that permits a user to deodorize a sink while permitting water to flow into a sink pipe and/or garbage disposal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sink drain deodorizing device that is easy to use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a sink drain deodorizing device that is scented.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sink drain deodorizing device that is re-usable.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a sink drain deodorizing device that is re-fillable.

The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a sink drain deodorizing device having a cover and a housing removably securable to the cover wherein a user may place a deodorizing disk within a retaining area of the housing to help eliminate odors emanating from a sink pipe and/or garbage disposal. The cover, which has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, has a top surface and a bottom surface wherein a handle extends from the cover top surface and a centering post extends from the cover bottom surface. The housing, which also has a plurality of apertures, has a securing aperture to permit a user to secure the housing to the cover via the centering post. Because the centering post also extends through a deodorizing disk aperture, the deodorizing disk is maintained in a predetermined position within the housing.

To use the sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention, a user first places the deodorizing disk within the retaining area of the housing. Then, he or she positions the cover on the housing so the centering post is located within an aperture of the deodorizing disk. Next, he or she secures the housing to the centering post by inserting a screw through the securing aperture of the housing and into a second end of the centering post and tightening the screw. Finally, he or she positions the sink drain deodorizing device into the sink drain of a sink pipe and/or garbage disposal.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of a cover of the sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a housing of the sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan perspective view of a deodorizing disk used in the sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side plan view of a sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention having a snap-on cover.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:

1. sink drain deodorizing device, generally 2. cover 3. handle 4. lip 5. housing 6. deodorizing disk 7. housing aperture 8. cover aperture 9. cover top surface 10. cover bottom surface 11. threads 12. handle gripper 13. washer 14. screw 15. securing aperture 16. deodorizing disk aperture 17. handle first end 18. handle second end 19. securing means 20. retaining area 21. centering post 22. centering post first end 23. centering post second end 24. flange 25. snap-fit post

With reference to FIG. 1, a side plan view of a sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention is shown. The sink drain deodorizing device, generally 1 has a cover 2 of a predetermined size and shape with a handle 3 and a housing 5 secured to the cover 2, preferably in a removable manner. A plurality of cover apertures 8 are located on the cover 2 while a plurality of housing apertures 7 are located on the housing 5 so as to permit water to flow through the sink drain deodorizing device 1. The cover 2 is placed on a lip 4 of the housing 5 so as to cover a retaining area 20 having a predetermined size and shape formed by the housing 5. Although the housing 5 having a lip 4 is preferable, the housing 5 need not include the lip 4.

A deodorizing disk 6 is located within the retaining area 20 of the housing 5 and is held in a predetermined position within the retaining area 20 by a centering post 21 that extends from the cover 2 and the housing 5 is secured to the cover 2 by a securing means 19.

In FIG. 2, a side plan view of a cover of the sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention is shown. The cover 2 has a top surface 9 and a bottom surface 10 wherein the cover apertures 8 extend from the top surface 9 to the bottom surface 10. The handle 3 has a first end 17 and a second end 18 wherein the handle second end 18 is attached to the cover top surface 9. The centering post 21 has a first end 22 and a second end 23 wherein the centering post first end 22 is attached to the cover bottom surface 10. Internal threads 11 are located within the centering post 21 and extend a predetermined distance from the centering post second end 23 toward the centering post first end 22.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The cover 2 includes a plurality of cover apertures 8 to permit water to enter through the cover 2 and saturate a deodorizing disk 6 located within the housing 5. The deodorizing disk 6, which is preferably solid, dissolvable in liquid, scented and contains antibacterial properties, is sized and shaped so as to be retained within the housing 5. At least one handle gripper 12 is preferably located on the handle 3 so as to permit a user to quickly and easily remove and insert the sink drain deodorizing device 1 from an opening to a sink pipe and/or garbage disposal.

In FIG. 4, a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown. The housing 5 has a plurality of housing apertures 7 located thereon to permit water to flow therethrough. The securing means 19 for securing the housing 5 to the cover 2 is preferably a screw 14 that extends through a securing aperture 15 in the housing 5 (shown in FIG. 5) and into the threads 11 of the centering post 21 (shown in FIG. 2). A washer 13 is preferably positioned on the housing 5 prior to insertion of the screw 14; however, a washer 13 need not be utilized. In this manner, a user may remove the cover 2 from the housing 5 to insert a new deodorizing disk 6 into the housing 5 as necessary or desired.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of a housing of the sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention. The housing 5 has a plurality of housing apertures 7 and a centrally-located securing aperture 15.

FIG. 6 shows a top plan perspective view of a deodorizing disk used in the sink drain deodorizing device of the present invention. The deodorizing disk 6 is preferably a solid that is dissolvable in liquid, scented and has antibacterial properties. A deodorizing disk aperture 16 is centrally-located in the deodorizing disk 6 to permit the centering post 21 passage therethrough (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4).

Finally, FIG. 7 shows a side plan view of a sink deodorizing drain device of the present invention having a snap-on cover. Rather than having the cover 2 secured to the housing 5 via a securing means 19 that is a screw 14 insertable into the centering post 21, the securing means 19 shown in FIG. 7 is snap-fit. The snap-fit may be annular, cantilever or torsional. Preferably, the snap-fit is annular wherein at least one flange 24 is located on a snap-fit post 25 that is insertable into the centering post 21 to permit a user to secure the cover 2 to the housing 5.

To use the sink drain deodorizing device 1 of the present invention, a user first places the deodorizing disk 6 within the retaining area 20 of the housing 5. Then, he or she positions the cover 2 on the housing 5 so the centering post 21 is located within the deodorizing disk aperture 16. Next, he or she secures the housing 5 to the centering post 21 by inserting a screw 14 through the securing aperture 15 and into the centering post second end 23 and tightening the screw 14. Finally, he or she positions the sink drain deodorizing device 1 into the opening of a sink pipe and/or garbage disposal.

Although the securing means 19 shown include a screw 14 insertable into the centering post 21 and flanges 24, other securing means 19, including but not limited to, other threaded securing means 19, such as bolts, non-threaded securing means 19, such as rods, and other snap-fit securing means 19, such as apertures having insertable tabs or flanges, may be utilized as well.

The use of the present invention permits a user to deodorize a sink while permitting water to flow into a sink pipe and/or garbage disposal.

It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings. 

1. A sink drain deodorizing device comprising: a cover having a predetermined size and shape; said cover having a top surface and a bottom surface; said cover having a plurality of cover apertures extending from said top surface to said bottom surface; said handle having a first end and a second end; said handle second end secured to said cover top surface; a centering post having a first end and a second end; said centering post first end is secured to said cover bottom surface; a housing securable to said cover via a securing means; said housing having a predetermined size and shape for fitting in a sink drain; said housing having a plurality of housing apertures; and said housing having a retaining area of a predetermined size and shape.
 2. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 1 further comprising: a deodorizing disk sized and shaped for placement within said retaining area.
 3. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 2 wherein: said deodorizing disk has a centrally-located aperture wherein said centering post extends a predetermined distance therethrough.
 4. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 1 further comprising: a securing aperture located on said housing.
 5. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 2 further comprising: a securing aperture located on said housing.
 6. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 3 further comprising: a securing aperture located on said housing.
 7. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 1 wherein: said centering post second end is internally threaded.
 8. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 4 wherein: said centering post second end is internally threaded.
 9. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 5 wherein: said centering post second end is internally threaded.
 10. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 6 wherein: said centering post second end is internally threaded.
 11. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 7 wherein: said securing means is a screw that extends through said securing aperture and into said centering post second end.
 12. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 8 wherein: said securing means is a screw that extends through said securing aperture and into said centering post second end.
 13. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 9 wherein: said securing means is a screw that extends through said securing aperture and into said centering post second end.
 14. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 10 wherein: said securing means is a screw that extends through said securing aperture and into said centering post second end.
 15. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 1 further comprising: at least one handle gripper located on said handle.
 16. A sink drain deodorizing device comprising: a cover having a predetermined size and shape; said cover having a top surface and a bottom surface; said cover having a plurality of cover apertures extending from said top surface to said bottom surface; said handle having a first end and a second end; said handle second end secured to said cover top surface; a centering post having a first end and a second end; said centering post first end is secured to said cover bottom surface; said centering post second end is internally threaded; a housing securable to said cover via a securing means; said housing having a predetermined size and shape for fitting in a sink drain; said housing having a plurality of housing apertures; a securing aperture located in said housing; said housing having a retaining area of a predetermined size and shape; a deodorizing disk sized and shaped for placement within said retaining area; and a centrally-located aperture in said deodorizing disk wherein said centering post extends a predetermined distance therethrough.
 17. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 16 wherein: said securing means is a screw that extends through said securing aperture and into said centering post second end.
 18. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 1 further comprising: at least one handle gripper located on said handle.
 19. The sink drain deodorizing device of claim 1 wherein: said securing means is snap-fit.
 20. A sink drain deodorizing device comprising: a cover having a predetermined size and shape; said cover having a top surface and a bottom surface; said cover having a plurality of cover apertures extending from said top surface to said bottom surface; said handle having a first end and a second end; said handle second end secured to cover top surface; a centering post having a first end and a second end; said centering post first end is secured to said cover bottom surface; said centering post second end is internally threaded; a housing securable to said cover via a securing means; said housing having a predetermined size and shape for fitting in a sink drain; said housing having a plurality of housing apertures; a securing aperture located in said housing; said securing means is a screw that extends through said securing aperture and into said centering post second end; said housing having a retaining area of a predetermined size and shape; a deodorizing disk sized and shaped for placement within said retaining area; and a centrally-located aperture in said deodorizing disk wherein said centering post extends a predetermined distance therethrough.
 21. A method for using a sink drain deodorizing device comprising a cover having a predetermined size and shape; said cover having a top surface and a bottom surface; said cover having a plurality of cover apertures extending from said top surface to said bottom surface; said handle having a first end and a second end; said handle second end secured to said cover top surface; a centering post having a first end and a second end; said centering post first end is secured to said cover bottom surface; a housing securable to said cover via a securing means; said housing having a predetermined size and shape for fitting in a sink drain; said housing having a plurality of housing apertures; and said housing having a retaining area of a predetermined size and shape, said method comprising the steps of: a. inserting a deodorizing disk into said retaining area; b. securing said cover to said housing via said securing means; and c. inserting said cover and housing into a sink drain. 